A suspected mass-casualty anti-Semitic terror plot has been foiled in Sydney, with police uncovering a vehicle loaded with explosives and linked to a potential synagogue attack.
Authorities have launched a major counterterrorism probe after discovering a vehicle filled with Powergel explosives, capable of creating a 40-metre blast radius, in a rural property in Dural, northwest Sydney.
More than 100 state and federal officers are investigating whether the vehicle was intended for use in an anti-Semitic attack, after a note was found inside detailing the address of a Sydney synagogue.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the discovery as "utterly appalling and shameful", urging the public to report any suspicious activity.
"There are some terrible people in our community," Minns said.
"I'm ashamed to say it, but that’s the truth — bad morals, bad ethics, bad people who will commit these acts."
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed the vehicle had been removed and its owner is already in custody on unrelated charges.
"It's important the public understands that not only has the caravan been removed, but also the owner is out of play and in custody," Webb said.
Police under pressure after 11-day information delay
Authorities had withheld the discovery for 11 days, saying revealing details too early could have compromised their investigation.
After a leak to the media, police defended their decision, saying they were "leaving no stone unturned" in determining the full extent of the threat.
But despite police assurances there is no immediate threat to the public, three more anti-Semitic incidents were reported in Sydney overnight.
A Jewish school was targeted — where students, returning from holiday, were met not by teachers, but armed security guards on their first day back.
A children's centre, just blocks away, was also tagged last week before being firebombed.
"Australians will not stand for this kind of violent, hate-fuelled racist attack," Minns said.
"If this offends you, if this is the opposite of what it means to live in Australia in 2025... then report them. Dob them in!"
Rising anti-Semitism timeline: 'A disturbing pattern'
Sydney has seen a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents since October last year, with at least 10 arrests linked to attacks. Police were also investigating whether those arrested were on the "periphery" of the latest discovery.
- In October, multiple Jewish businesses are set alight, leading to the arrests of four men
- In November, dozens of cars are torched in Woollahra and buildings are vandalised
- January 11: A synagogue in South Sydney is defaced with swastikas
- January 17: A prominent Jewish figure’s former home is doused in red paint and a car is set on fire
- January 21: A childcare centre in Sydney’s east is firebombed and defaced with anti-Semitic slogans
A community on edge
Jewish leaders say they remain on high alert as attacks continue.
"We just don’t know their motives... we just don’t know where exactly they’re coming from," said Peter Wertheim, CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
Authorities are continuing their investigations into whether international actors are playing a role in radicalising individuals or funding attacks through cryptocurrency.
Police have stepped up security at Jewish sites across the city, including schools, synagogues, and community centres.
Meanwhile, residents remain on edge as Sydney grapples with the largest surge in anti-Semitic incidents in recent history.
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